Get the best from a BBQ event

A family-friendly barbeque event can bring the entire community
together to meet, mingle and have fun. Or run a BBQ as part of
another event such as a summer fair or bonfire and fireworks
night. Take into account that rain can fall on any day of the
year in the UK, so wet weather contingency plans are crucial!

Breaking even and boosting profits

Although you might not be charging an entry fee to your barbecue
event (to encourage attendance), you will want to cover your costs.
Work out how much your outgoings will be, and use this as a gauge
to price up the food - and offer additional money-generating
activites. If you have space, set aside some stalls for children.
Face painting, craft activities, pick a lolly game, cupcake
decorating… what will generate that bit of extra cash?

Use high-quality meat

Don't underestimate the power of a good burger - quality meat
for the barbecue is vital! If customers end up picking bits of
gristle from their teeth, they are unlikely to buy a burger the
next time you have a BBQ! Local catering companies may offer frozen
meat products on a sale or return basis. Or a local butcher may
offer a discount in return for a sign advertising their business.
Offer fried onions - you can't beat the smell to get people
salivating! Consider some vegetarian options such as corn on the
cob or halloumi and roasted vegetable kebabs. Use large oil-drum
BBQs and have several people cooking and serving/taking money to
avoid tedious queues.

Serving suggestions

Serve burgers and hot dogs in napkins to keep the need for
plates (and the additional expense) down and to make it easier for
people to eat on the go. Other food, such as jacket potatoes and
salads will require plates and cutlery (and possibly somewhere to
sit) so factor this in when selecting food options. Have plenty of
sauces available and lots of bin bags nearby for rubbish.

Additional activities

If you have the space, then why not throw in a few activities?
Get everyone up and active (to work off those burgers) by offering
a game of rounders, welly wanging, egg and spoon races or a tug o'
war. Parents and children will both enjoy playing team games
together. Have mixed teams of all ages and abilities so that no one
gets left out.

For more information

If selling alcohol at your event, you may need a licence (allow
at least 10 working days) - contact the licensing department at
your local authority.

Fundraising barbecue testimonial:

Becky Hession: 'We have our family BBQ
each year and it has become a really fun event for all our
families. We run it from 5-11pm. I would suggest a bar (always a
winner), and children's non-alcoholic cocktails! We have a disco
outside and Irish dancing displays, a raffle, a stall for children
selling glow sticks, bubbles, bags of sweets and glow bracelets -
the children love it when it gets dark. We hired a candy floss lady
last year who also did popcorn which was popular. You need lots of
helpers to sell tickets, work the bar, run stalls, etc. - that's
what can be tricky, so get a rota organised early!'